Note: ¥ and US$ rate are based on exchange rate at the time of writing

Yoji Yamada failed to dethrone Beauty and the Beast as his latest comedy debuted in second place in admissions at the Japan box office.

From 326 locations, What a Wonderful Family! 2 (家族はつらいよ 2) made ¥133 million (US$1.2 million) from 117,000 admissions over its first two days on release. The continuation of the first film sees the Hirata family in another crisis when the family’s elderly patriarch refuses to give up his driving license. The film was produced and distributed by Shochiku.

Last spring, What a Wonderful Family (家族はつらいよ) earned ¥1.38 billion (US$12.4 million) during its theatrical run.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast took the top spot for the sixth consecutive weekend, earning an additional ¥351 million (US$3.16 million) from 243,000 admissions on Saturday and Sunday. The fantasy romance has made ¥9.82 billion (US$88.5 million) from 6.93 million admissions and is expected to break the ¥10 billion mark this week, overtaking Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest as the 30th highest grossing film of all-time in Japan.

Local drama To Each His Own (ちょっと今から仕事やめてくる) opened in third place in admissions, earning ¥140 million (US$1.26 million) from 102,000 admissions in 283 locations over two days on release.

What a Wonderful Family! 2 managed to draw a higher admission number with lower revenue because the film attracted a generally older audience, who are given significant ticketing discounts at cinemas. On the other hand, To Each His Own is expected to have a strong showings with white-collar workers at weeknight screenings.

Adapted to screen and directed by Izuru Narushima (Solomon’s Perjury ソロモンの偽証, Rebirth 八日目の蝉), To Each His Own stars Asuka Kudo as a stressed-out salaryman whose life is saved by a mysterious man (played by Sota Fukushi) with a cheerful outlook.

Peach Girl (ピーチガール) has made ¥324 million (US$2.92 million). Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 has made ¥845 million (US$7.61 million). Arrival has made ¥335 million (US$3.02 million). Detective Conan: Crimson Love Letter (名探偵コナン から紅の恋歌) has made ¥6.49 billion (US$58.5 million), becoming the highest grossing film of the series.

Logan, Gold and Flower and Sword (花戦さ) open this week.